Serum Lysyl Oxidase Levels and Lysyl Oxidase Gene Polymorphism in Ovarian Cancer Patients of Eastern Indian Population.

(1) Background: Lysyl oxidase (LOX) plays a dual role in carcinogenesis and studies show a higher risk of cancer in LOX G473A variants. The present study evaluated the pattern of LOX G473A polymorphism (rs1800449) and serum LOX levels in ovarian cancer patients. (2) Methods: Serum LOX levels were estimated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A polymorphism of rs1800449 of LOX gene was detected by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Selected samples were sequenced for external validation. (3) Results: A majority of study participants were from low socio-economic status. Serum LOX level was significantly higher in ovarian cancer patients as compared to control. Serum LOX level in early-stage ovarian cancer was significantly lower as compared to advanced stage (FIGO stage III & IV). Wild type GG genotype was used as reference. Genotypes AA were associated with a significant risk of epithelial ovarian cancer (OR 3.208; p value- 0.033). A allele of rs1800449 polymorphism of LOX gene, the odds ratio was 1.866 (95% Confidence Interval 1.112-3.16) p value = 0.017 (4) Conclusions: A allele of rs1800449 polymorphism of LOX gene presents an increased risk of ovarian cancer in East Indian population. Serum LOX levels could be a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of ovarian cancer.